Apparently, your perception of how a glass of wine tastes is influenced by more than just the brand name.  A study by German researchers found that the type of ambient lighting can significantly affect consumers’ quality ratings of wine.  Crazy, right?

Participants who drank the same glass of wine in rooms with fluorescent lamps producing red or blue light rated the taste quality higher than those who were in rooms with fluorescent lamps producing green or white light.  The red-tinted fluorescent light seemed to provide the most pleasing effect: consumers indicated they were willing to spend more for the same wine under this light, and noted that it tasted fruitier.

More than 500 people were involved in the study, which was published in the Journal of Sensory Studies. In an environment where fast food restaurants seem to unfailingly incorporate red and yellow into each menu, sign, and building to stimulate hunger, the study is likely to have an impact on the restaurant/wine bar industry.

And just in case you’re interested, you might want to check out our mini pendant lights with red shades.